>> this was john kerry today. bolder, declaring victory, relieving worried democrats. >> yesterday he showed me he's ready to leave this country. >> reporter: in pennsylvania today, the president tried to overcome doubts about his debate performance by swinging hard at his opponent. in a new line of attack, he failed to use last night but may wish he had, mr. bush accused senator kerry of more confusing contradictions on iraq after first voting to authorize the war. some bush supporters at today's rally expected more from the president last night. >> i think he could have been better in another type of format other than the debate. >> reporter: and the white house advisers were spinning a bush debate victory, they were on the defensive today about the president's demeanor last night. the television coverage, he appeared at times irritated, dismissive, frustrated by his challenger. >> he's always been a president and a person who wears his emotion on his sleeve. >> reporter: if some in the white house thought it wo